Method of applying makeup to provide a more natural appearance and compact

ABSTRACT

A method and system for applying makeup to provide a natural appearance. A compact having several generally adjacent and different facial powder colors is used in conjunction with a generally-natural bristle brush having a telescoping sleeve. The telescoping sleeve enables the brush to achieve a variety of stiffnesses. The brush is then swirled around the facial powders generally upon a central shared axis with respect to the facial powders in order to provide a number of powder particles of different colors to adhere to the brush. The brush is then applied to the face in order to dust the face with the facial powder, the different colors providing a variety and variegated color that, when matched to the skin type, complements and/or enhances the face. Application of individual colors from the compact may be achieved by extending the telescoping sleeve to obtain a stiffer brush and then selecting color from the compact.

COPYRIGHT AUTHORIZATION

Portions of the disclosure of this patent document may contain materialwhich is subject to copyright and/or mask work protection. The copyrightand/or mask work owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction byanyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears inthe Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwisereserves all copyright and/or mask work rights whatsoever.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is related to and claims priority from U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/550,082 filed Mar. 4, 2004entitled PERFECT PIGMENT which application is incorporated herein bythis reference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to makeup and cosmetics, and more particularly toa method for applying makeup and the system enabling such application.

2. Description of the Related Art

Cosmetics, makeup, and the like are known in the art. Particularly, manypeople take pains in order to present an attractive physical appearance.For women, particularly, this pursuit includes the application of makeupto their faces. Lipstick, rouge, eye shadow, and facial powder are allitems of makeup well known in the art.

Additionally, current trends in fashions generally prefer a morenatural, as opposed to an artificial, appearance. As a result, there isa tendency to seek an appearance that lacks artifice and design in anovert manner. Instead, some variation and variegation of the appearanceis considered to be attractive, appealing, and is sought after by manypeople.

An example of this is the use of hair dyes. When hair is dyed, the dyegenerally gives a uniform appearance of the hair as a result. Thisuniform coloring of the hair is generally not one that is considered tobe natural as very often hair has some highlights and lowlights thatgive a different appearance than one that is uniform. Consequently, somehighlights or other variation may be added either by additional dye, orif hair supplements are used, different color of such additions toobtain a more natural appearance for the hair.

As with hair coloring, the same variegation of appearance may besubliminally detected by the eye and mind of the viewer in looking at amodel, companion, or otherwise. To provide some variation in theapplication of face powder and the like, the use of a uniformly-coloredmaterial generally achieves only a uniform coloration in makeup and sopresents a disadvantage that is present in the known art. Consequently,it would be an advantage to provide a makeup kit or system that wouldenable the application of a variety of face powders or other coloringsin order to achieve a more natural appearance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofmakeup systems now present in the prior art, the present inventionprovides a new makeup system and method for applying makeup wherein amore natural appearance can be achieved by the use of available compactsand brushes.

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be describedsubsequently in greater detail, is to provide a system by which thosewho apply makeup can achieve a more natural appearance or,alternatively, a variety of individual makeup materials and/or colorscan be carried in one simple compact for use which may be applied with abrush, not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, taught, or evenimplied by any of the prior art makeup systems, either alone or in anycombination thereof.

The new makeup method and system disclosed herein is designed to addnatural, youthful pigments to the skin, to cover skin imperfections, andto makeup the entire face with one compact and one brush in a veryconvenient and efficient manner. The powder used in the is compact maybe made of natural minerals, including light refracting mica and pearl,which may be nature's own youthful pigments. As an individual swirls thebrush over the four colors of the palette in the compact, the brushpicks up the individual color pigments and lays those individualpigments onto the skin upon application. In doing so, time's effect onthe face may be blended away, imperfections may be covered, and ahealthy, youthful radiance may be added back to the appearance of theskin.

The makeup method set for the herein may be advantageously implementedfor those with acne, rosacea, scars, and other imperfections.Additionally, it is contemplated that all skin types can enjoy theadvantages provided by the present system. The makeup method set forthherein is generally easy to use and convenient, such that it iscontemplated that it can be applied without a mirror, without makingmistakes that might ruin the application of the makeup. Generally, theright amount of each color is automatically added as the brush isswirled over the powder compartments.

Additionally, by adjustment of the retractable brush, each of theindividual colors can be used separately in order to make up the entireface, including the bronzing, sculpting, concealing, highlighting, andgeneral makeup of the eyes and cheeks, generally in the time of under afew minutes.

The choice of color palettes may be matched to the skin type for bettercomplementing of the underlying skin color. In one embodiment, fair,light, and medium skin tones may be addressed in one set of colorpalettes while natural, olive, tan, and darker complexions may beaddressed in a second palette configuration.

The compact may take a variety of shapes but can generally be considereda thin disc having a hinged cover that enjoys a snap fit over thecompartment-holding base. The cover may have a mirror by which one canobserve the application of the makeup, and the base holds the individualpowder compartments which may number, generally, three or more.

A brush is approximately several inches long and has a retractablesleeve that retracts into a handle portion. The retractable sleevetelescopes into the handle portion and generally shields or exposes thebristles of a brush. The brush may be swirled in a circular or othermanner over and into the compartments of compressed facial powder. Thebristles of the brush pick up the variety of colors which are thenapplied to the face. As the compressed facial powders have differentcolors, these same differences in color are transferred to the person'sface and provide at least a subliminal appearance of variegation incolor, preferably one that appears to be more natural.

Furthermore, as the telescoping sleeve is slid out and away from thehandle, the bristles of the brush are restrained by the emergingcircular collar. This allows the person applying the makeup to controlthe stiffness of the brush. The brush is generally very soft, and thebristles are able to move sideways much more when the collar is fullyslid into the handle while the bristles are much stiffer when the openend of the telescoping sleeve is slid outwardly from the handle towardsthe end of the bristles. In this way, the person applying the makeup cancontrol the stiffness of the brush. This is particularly helpful whenone of the individual powders in the compact are used for eye shadow anda single color is desired for use with the compact.

In one embodiment of the present system, a method for applying makeupmethod to provide a more natural appearance is provided using a compacthaving a plurality of separate makeup powder compartments of differingcolors. A brush with adjustable bristles engages the plurality of powdercompartments to adhere powder of different colors to the brush. Applyingthe brush to a person's face thereby imparts powder particles ofdifferent colors to the person's face such that the different colors ofthe powders provides a more natural appearance of the powders to theface with respect to a powder of uniform color.

In another embodiment of the present system, a method for applyingmakeup method to provide a more natural appearance is set forth using acompact having a plurality of separate makeup powder compartments ofdiffering colors, the powder compartments of the compact being three,four, five, six, seven, or eight in number. A brush with adjustablenatural bristles collinear with a handle is used with the brush having atelescoping sleeve selectably and slidably passing into and out of thehandle according to user adjustment. The telescoping sleeve generallycompresses the bristles together when the telescoping sleeve is extendedwith the telescoping sleeve extending past the bristles when thetelescoping sleeve is fully extended. A cover covers the telescopingsleeve when fully extended and generally engages the handle in a flushmanner to enclose the bristles.

The brush engages the plurality of powder compartments to adhere powderof different colors to the brush by engaging the bristles with a lightercolored powder at approximately a 12 o'clock position and movingcircularly to engage powders of increasingly darker color to adherepowder particles to the bristles. The brush is then applied to aperson's face to thereby impart powder particles of different colors tothe person's face such that the different colors of the powders impartsa more natural appearance of the powders to the face with respect to apowder of uniform color.

In another embodiment, A compact for use in applying makeup method toprovide a more natural appearance is disclosed with the compact having aplurality of separate makeup powder compartments of differing colors,the powder compartments of the compact being three, four, five, six,seven, or eight in number. Each of the compartments are of generallyequal area distributed generally evenly about a central axis.

In another embodiment, an applicator brush for use in applying makeupmethod to provide a more natural appearance is provided with the brushhaving adjustable and natural bristles collinear with a handle. Atelescoping sleeve selectably and slidably passes into and out of thehandle according to user adjustment with the telescoping sleevegenerally compressing the bristles together when the telescoping sleeveis extended. The telescoping sleeve extends past the bristles when thetelescoping sleeve is fully extended. A cover covers the telescopingsleeve when fully extended and generally engages the handle in a flushmanner to enclose the bristles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the brush with the telescopingsleeve slid into the handle and the bristles fully exposed, the capremoved from the sleeve, as well as the compact shown in an openconfiguration.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the method of applying makeupset forth herein.

FIG. 3-10 show a variety of compartment configurations and compactgeometries for use in the compact shown in FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodimentsof the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms inwhich the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. Thedescription sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps forconstructing and operating the invention in connection with theillustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the sameor equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by differentembodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spiritand scope of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, where like numerals of reference designatelike elements throughout, it will be noted that the compact and brushsystem 100 has a makeup applicator brush 102 as well as a compactportion 104.

The brush 102 has a handle 110, a telescoping sleeve 112, the brushbristles 114 having a rounded top end 116, and a cover 118. The brush102 is approximately four to six inches long, and the telescoping sleeve112 slides into the handle 110 as well as extending outwardly to coverthe round top end 116 of the bristles in order to protect them. A coveror cap 118 then covers the extended telescoping sleeve 112 and encasesthe entire brush in a compact and convenient manner.

The compact 104 has a top or lid 130 which snap-fits to the base 132 viaopposing snap portions 134, 136. The top 130 is hingeably or otherwisemoveably or pivotably connected to the base 132 as by the hinge 138.

A mirror 140 may be present in the top 130 and enables the personapplying the makeup to view her own face. As shown in FIG. 1, a varietyof facial powders 150 are present in the base 132. Using the hinge 138as designated at the 12:00 position, a “fair” powder 152 is generallycentered upon the 12:00 position, a blush powder color 154 is centeredupon the 3:00 position. A golden color powder 156 is centered upon the6:00 position, and a bronze color powder 158 is centered upon the 9:00position. Alternative configurations and allocations of the compact andits compartments are shown in FIGS. 3-10 with FIG. 7 closely resemblingthe configuration shown in FIG. 1.

The fair powder color 152 may be established as an industry-standardcolor, such as Pantone® color 7506 U. The blush powder color 154 mayalso be an industry-standard color, such as Pantone® color 7415 U withthe golden 156 and bronze 158 powders being Pantone® colors 466 U and7515 U, respectively.

Alternatively, another color scheme may be used. Starting at 12 o'clockand rotating clockwise, the following colors may be used for those withdarker skin. Pantone® color 726U for the fair powder 152, a balancebetween Pantone® colors 487U and 486U for blush 154, 721U for golden156, and lastly, 723U for bronze 158.

The specific colors for the facial powders 150 given above are currentlycontemplated as being those for a person having a fair complexion. Withrespect to those persons having darker complexions, any relative colorsbetween the fair, blush, golden, and bronze powders 152, 154, 156, 158may be relatively displaced in a color-wise manner so that the relativecolor differentials between the facial powders 150 is maintained.Alternatively, there may be certain ratios present that are known in theart having to do with color displacement and human skin tone. Theseproportional relationships may also control the particular colorsachieved for individuals having darker skin.

The colors are generally chosen to mimic, resemble, and translate to theskin with regards to natural pigments and colors found in healthy andyouthful skin tones. Of course, this is relative to the person's skintype and skin coloring. However, statistically, such mimicry of naturalpigments and their colors can be established through reasonableexperimentation in similar populations of people. As the skin is notjust one color, the variegation and variation of colors in theapplication of the facial powders helps to augment and complement theappearance of the person to whom the makeup is applied.

The positioning of the colors is contemplated as having an optimalconfiguration as set forth herein with the colors generallytransitioning from light (12:00) to dark (9:00). In a preferredembodiment, the individual facial powders 150 are kept separate from oneanother, and not blended together, in order to enhance the effect.According to one viewpoint, the mixing of the different colors providesa kaleidoscope effect due to the lack of homogeneity within theindividual facial powders 150. As a result, micro-fine gradations maynot be achieved due to the absence of a single uniform powder color.However, the powders are such that the individual colors are preferablysubliminally detected by a viewer without the indication that the facialpowders responsible for the healthy and youthful skin tone experiencedby the person to whom the makeup is applied.

In order to apply the facial powders 150, a brush 102 of natural fibers,as opposed to synthetic fibers, is generally preferred. The architectureand construction of natural fibers are generally seen as beingpreferred, as synthetics may not have the texture and/or surfacequalities that natural fibers, such as natural oolong hair fibers(obtained from goats, a common source of makeup brush bristles) mayprovide.

In the application of powders (particularly to the face), thetelescoping sleeve 112 is generally retracted entirely into the handle110 in order to expose the brush 102 with its rounded top 116. A roundedtop 116 is contemplated as performing better than other brush geometriessuch as flat top brushes. When makeup is be applied to the face of theperson, the brush 102 is swirled around the base 132 of the compact 104in order to pick up all of the facial powder colors with the bristlesgenerally coming into contact with the aluminum or other separatingdividers separating each of the pie-shaped tins containing the facialpowders 150. In doing so, each of the colors of the facial powders 150adhere to the bristles 114 particularly at the rounded top 116 so thatthe brush may convey the facial powders 150 to the person's face. Thecircular swirling motion is generally in a clockwise fashion which isparticularly convenient for a right-handed person. However, aleft-handed configuration can also be obtained in either a clockwise orcounterclockwise manner. For the counterclockwise motion, a mirror imageof the base 132 of the compact 104 of the facial powders 150 is achievedthat basically switches the blush powder 154 with the bronze powder 158and vice versa.

The brush 102, with the abraded and adhering facial powders 150, is thenapplied to the face in the usual manner. The multiplicity of facialpowder colors then provide micro-mottling of the facial powders 150 andthe colors of the facial powders 150 upon the person's face. Thismicro-mottling is preferably such that it is only subliminally detectedvisually by the casual viewer. Preferably even the person whoscrutinizes the person wearing the makeup's face does not readily detectthe use of makeup in order to obtain a natural, healthy, and youthfulappearance to the skin of the face. By using the retractable brush andgently swirling it in a circular motion over all of the colors of thefacial powders 150 and then lightly dusting the entire face and neckwith the powders on the brush 102, an individual can obtain facialpowdering in a manner that is convenient, useful, and that providesmeans by which a more attractive appearance can be achieved. Thisprocess may be repeated especially in areas where more color is desired.

In particular applications, a variety of approaches may be used. Formore color on the cheeks, the blush and/or bronze powders 154, 158 maybe applied by themselves or individually, to add a natural flow ofcolor, the mixed colors may be added to the outline of the jaw and neck.For covering redness, application of the neutral, yellow-based goldenpowder 156 to red areas may be made by adjusting the brush 102 so thatits telescoping sleeve 112 is halfway between its retracted and extendedpositions. After the red areas have been covered, the telescoping sleeve112 may be retracted to return the brush bristles 114 to their normallength, and the combination of colors as set forth in the preferredembodiment above may be performed either over foundation or by itself.

In order to provide shading, the brush may be adjusted so that thetelescoping sleeve 112 is two-thirds (⅔) of the way up between extendedand retracted positions, with the bronzer used for hollowing cheeks,defining the jawline, under the chin, and/or for reducing the hair line.

For highlighting, the brush may be maintained in the two-thirdssleeve-extended position using the lightest “fair” powder 152. Thehighlights are accomplished by dusting the fair powder 152 over thebrow, the cheekbones, the center of the nose, as well as the center ofthe forehead, chin, and/or jawline.

In order to provide eye makeup, the telescoping sleeve 112 may beextended outwardly until only three-eighths (⅜) of an inch of the brushend 116 is exposed. The eye lid and the eye crease may both be dustedover with the bronze powder 158 with a touch of blush added to theoutside of the brow. With the brush 102, these two colors may be blendedtogether by buffing the brush between the two colored areas.

With respect to eye brows, those with blonde hairs may use the goldenpowder 156 while others may use the bronze powder 158 in order to addcolor.

If too much powder is applied to the brush 102, the brush may be wipedoff gently on a tissue and the telescoping sleeve 112 retracted halfway.The face may be buffed over with the cleansed brush which will blend andremove the excess powder. Alternatively, with either the lightest orneutral base powder color, such as the fair powder 152, the areas wheretoo much color has been applied may be buffed over, and this will helpblend and balance the colors.

Overall, the compact and brush system 100 as well as the method setforth above, was developed to give everyone the same natural color,healthy, and sun-kissed complexion through a flawless and mistake-proofapplication system. The combination of natural pigments found inhealthy, youthful skin tones can be worn either over foundation or byitself, with the facial powders 150 containing a hint of pearl to givemade up skin an extra special glow. The colors chosen for the facialpowders 150 may be universal in order to match almost every skin tone.

The process set forth above is set forth in exemplary manner in theschematic shown in FIG. 2, where the compact is open and the makeup isexposed 170. The brush 102 is then moved as by swirling in a circularmanner to engage the powders of different colors 172 and thereby providethe variegated color base in powder form adhering to the brush 102. Thepowders are then applied to the face 174 in order to provide suchvariegated color that provides a more natural appearance with colorsthat complement and enhance a person's natural beauty.

Where extra coverage is needed, the sleeve 112 of the brush may beextended so that only ⅜ of an inch of the brush end 116 is showing. Thebrush 102 may then be dipped or brushed into the color most closelymatching the person's skin type. This will give added coverage forblemishes or other imperfections. The same steps may be taken in orderto provide highlights or emphases on certain facial features accordingto the facial powder 150 chosen.

The mixing of colors can enhance the matching of the powders to the skintype. For those with rosacea, a blemish, or other skin imperfections maygenerally need extra coverage. The use of the golden powder 156 helps toconceal and cancel any redness. Furthermore, the golden powder 156 canbe mixed with the fair powder 152 in order to match lighter complexions.For darker complexions, the golden powder 156 can be mixed with thebronze powder 158. Depending upon the skin type, epidermal redness willgenerally be diminished or disappear completely.

The bronze powder 158 may be used for contouring the cheeks, concealinga double chin, defining the jawline, as eye shadow, or simply to add anatural sun-kissed look to the face. The bronze powder 158 can also bemixed with the blush powder 154 for a pinker, bronzed look. The bronzepowder 158 and the blush powder 154, when mixed, add a more youthfullook and may be used on the brow as well.

For eye brows, the golden powder 156 is an excellent match for blondesand the bronze powder 158 is a good match for redheads and brunettes. Toset foundation, blend all of the colors of the palette and dust overmakeup foundation. This will set the makeup foundation, help it stay allday, and add youthful pigments to the skin for a more natural look.

For eyelash thickener, dust any or all of the colors over the eyelasheswith the eyes closed. This will make the eyelashes appear thicker whenapplying mascara.

The fair, golden, or the bronze powders 152, 156, 158 can be used aloneas foundation. Then, all the colors of the palette are mixed by swirlingthe brush 102 over all the colors and then can be used to accentuate andadd back natural pigments to the desired areas of the face, neck, anddecollate.

Ingredients in the face powders 150 may include natural minerals, micaand pearl, which are added to create a soft focus look to the skin.Deflecting light away from wrinkles and skin imperfections create theappearance of luminous, younger looking skin, and are among the severalaims of the present system.

While the present invention has been described with regards toparticular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations ofthe present invention may be devised without departing from theinventive concept.

1. A method for applying makeup method to provide a more naturalappearance, comprising: providing a compact having a plurality ofseparate makeup powder compartments of differing colors; providing abrush with bristles; engaging said plurality of powder compartments withsaid brush to adhere powder of different colors to said brush; andapplying said brush to a person's face to thereby impart powderparticles of different colors to said person's face; whereby saiddifferent colors of said powders imparts a more natural appearance ofsaid powders to said face with respect to a powder of uniform color. 2.A method for applying makeup method to provide a more natural appearanceas set forth in claim 1, wherein said compact further comprises: acompact having at least three powder compartments.
 3. A method forapplying makeup method to provide a more natural appearance as set forthin claim 2, wherein said compact further comprises: said powdercompartments of said compact being in number selected from the groupconsisting of: three, four, five, six, seven, and eight.
 4. A method forapplying makeup method to provide a more natural appearance as set forthin claim 1, wherein said brush further comprises: a brush having naturalbristles collinear with a handle, a telescoping sleeve selectably andslidably passing into and out of said handle according to useradjustment, said telescoping sleeve generally compressing said bristlestogether when said telescoping sleeve is extended, said telescopingsleeve extending past said bristles when said telescoping sleeve isfully extended, and a cover covering said telescoping sleeve when fullyextended and generally engaging said handle in a flush manner to enclosesaid bristles.
 5. A method for applying makeup method to provide a morenatural appearance as set forth in claim 1, wherein said step ofengaging said powder compartments further comprises: engaging saidbristles with a lighter colored powder at approximately a 12 o'clockposition and moving circularly to engage powders of increasingly darkercolor to adhere powder particles to the bristles.
 6. A method forapplying makeup method to provide a more natural appearance, comprising:providing a compact having a plurality of separate makeup powdercompartments of differing colors, said powder compartments of saidcompact being in number selected from the group consisting of: three,four, five, six, seven, and eight; providing a brush having a roundedtop with adjustable natural bristles collinear with a handle, atelescoping sleeve selectably and slidably passing into and out of saidhandle according to user adjustment, said telescoping sleeve generallycompressing said bristles together when said telescoping sleeve isextended, said telescoping sleeve extending past said bristles when saidtelescoping sleeve is fully extended, and a cover covering saidtelescoping sleeve when fully extended and generally engaging saidhandle in a flush manner to enclose said bristles; engaging saidplurality of powder compartments with said brush to adhere powder ofdifferent colors to said brush by engaging said bristles with a lightercolored powder at approximately a 12 o'clock position and movingcircularly to engage powders of increasingly darker color to adherepowder particles to the bristles; and applying said brush to a person'sface to thereby impart powder particles of different colors to saidperson's face; whereby said different colors of said powders imparts amore natural appearance of said powders to said face with respect to apowder of uniform color;
 7. A compact for use in applying makeup methodto provide a more natural appearance, comprising: a compact having aplurality of separate makeup powder compartments of differing colors,said powder compartments of said compact being in number selected fromthe group consisting of: three, four, five, six, seven, and eight, eachof said compartments being of generally equal area distributed generallyevenly about a central axis.
 8. A makeup compact and applicator brushfor use in applying makeup method to provide a more natural appearance,comprising a brush with adjustable and natural bristles collinear with ahandle; a telescoping sleeve selectably and slidably passing into andout of said handle according to user adjustment; said telescoping sleevegenerally compressing said bristles together when said telescopingsleeve is extended; said telescoping sleeve extending past said bristleswhen said telescoping sleeve is fully extended; a cover covering saidtelescoping sleeve when fully extended and generally engaging saidhandle in a flush manner to enclose said bristles; and a compact havinga plurality of separate makeup powder compartments of differing colors,said powder compartments of said compact being in number selected fromthe group consisting of: three, four, five, six, seven, and eight, eachof said compartments being of generally equal area distributed generallyevenly about a central axis, said brush adapted to engage said compact.